10 Best Beaches in Tampa

Ben T. Davis Beach is at the east end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway and it’s the closest beach to the airport, just 10 minutes from downtown Tampa. Famous for its white sand, and superb sunset views of Tampa Bay, it has excellent rock pooling opportunities. Don’t forget to leave those beautiful seashells and rocks on the beach: take only photos, leave only footprints.

Because of bacteria advisories, Ben T. Davis isn’t the best swimming beach, but the calm waters make for good kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. The beach also offers easy access to the Courtney Campbell Trail for biking and hiking so bring your bicycle and some comfortable shoes.

Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach in Tierra Verde is consistently namechecked as one of the state’s most family-friendly beaches thanks to its powder-soft sand and shallow tidal pools. Look for white sand dollars and multi-colored seashells, kayak or swim in its protected waters, or hire a rod and cast a line off the Bay or Gulf piers.

Take a break from your beach day to explore the Spanish-American war-era fort, or run, stroll, or bike the 7-mile (11-km) paved trail running close to the beach through the park. Don’t miss the pirate ship playground.

Rumored to be the inspiration behind Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville,” Sunset Beach on the southern tip of Tampa’s Treasure Island is a bohemian paradise of tolerance and tiki huts. Follow the Speedo-wearing locals into the warm, clear waters, lounge on the white sand dunes, or make new friends at the beachfront bars.

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the shaded pavilion on the beach; don’t miss the superb sunsets over the Gulf from the boardwalk at the end of the island which loops around the dunes for a mile.

Loved by the locals as a pet-friendly spot, Davis Islands Beach, just south of the airport, is the place to go for off-leash games with your dog. Avoid swimming at Davis Island beach, as bacteria levels are often high, however, the beach still makes a good spot for sun and play away from the water’s edge.

Technically an archipelago, Davis Islands used to be comprised of 3 islands, but construction of the airport filled in land and now there are just 2. Why not take a picnic and a good book to enjoy after admiring the boats in the bay?

There are plenty of great beaches close to Tampa but if you’re a birdwatcher, it’s worth the 18-mile (29-km) trip south of the city to visit E.G. Simmons Regional Park. The main attraction at this human-made regional park is the 200 acres of mangrove swamp developed into a bird and wildlife sanctuary, but the well-maintained beach and waterways are a popular draw too.

Look out for endangered species, such as Roseate Spoonbills and Bald Eagles swooping over the dunes and nesting in the mangroves.

Named after a 1940s romantic retreat, Honeymoon Island, some 20 miles (32 km) west of Tampa in Dunedin, is now one of Florida’s most loved state parks. Plan to spend the day exploring the 4 miles (6 km) of golden-white sandy beach ringed by one of the region’s oldest remaining slash pine forests with 200-year-old trees, and a shady trail running through its center.

This protected land boasts eagles, great horned owls, and osprey, and you can also spot gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos. Make time for a visit to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center to learn more about the fascinating history of the park.

Head just under an hour’s drive west of Tampa to Fred Howard Park on the Gulf of Mexico for its clear waters and white, sandy shore. Leave the mainland behind on a scenic 1-mile drive along a 2-lane causeway from the parkland to the beach. Animal lovers may want to stop to see if they can spot the park’s residents which include fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, and eagles.

Once you’re there join a softball game, laze on the sand, and take a swim, or visit the butterfly garden to admire the plants and flowers. Famed amongst locals for its picture-perfect sunsets, pack a picnic to enjoy in a shelter and snap away.

Go west on a 45-minute drive from downtown Tampa to the well-named Clearwater Beach which has been named America’s number 1 beach many times thanks to its sparkling waters. Beyond enjoying the sugar white sands and warm waters, there are plenty of fun activities at Clearwater Beach. Spot wild dolphins on a sightseeing cruise, float over the waves on a parasailing adventure, or explore the large children’s playground at the base of Pier 60.

Splurge on an expedition with Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, an all-ages, 2-hour sail aboard a pirate ship. It includes water gun battles, treasure hunts, face painting, firing the cannon, and Captain Memo’s dance party.

Neatly sandwiched between Clearwater Beach to the north and De Soto Beach to the south, Treasure Island is around 45 minutes west of Tampa and offers the area’s widest beach. Spread out at T.I., as the locals call it, away from the crowds to enjoy the powdery sand and warm gentle Gulf waters. If you visit in November catch the annual “Sanding Ovations” festival which brings pro-sand sculptors to the area to compete for prizes with their huge sand sculptures.

Every Sunday, locals and visitors gather for the weekly sunset drum circle on the beach behind the Bilmar resort; enjoy the mesmerizing sound of the waves and drums.

Picnic Island in South Tampa is a lightly visited, family-friendly place to gather for al fresco dining thanks to its many picnic tables and public grilling spaces. For children, there is a sandy playground area and beach, while older kids and adults will enjoy the disc golf course and sand volleyball court.

Picnic Island offers up some excellent birding opportunities, look out for wading birds such as White Ibis and Blue Herons in the tidal creeks, and brown pelicans and yellow warblers flying overhead.